PSNI working to ensure hospitals aren’t taken down by ransomware cyber-attack

A computer at Greater Preston CCG as the NHS is investigating "an issue with IT" amid reports of a cyber attack on its systems. Photo credit: @fendifille/Twitter/PA Wire

Kevin Mullan

Published:17:38Updated:17:41Saturday 13 May 2017

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The PSNI’s top cyber security specialist, Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, says the force has enlisted the help of experts to ensure local hospitals are resilient enough to deal with large scale ransomware cyber-attacks like the one that took down NHS computer networks across England and Wales on Friday.

He said: “Since this attack occurred on Friday afternoon (May 12), we have been working with representatives from the national government, National Crime Agency, National Cyber Security Centre and cyber security experts to put in place mechanisms to mitigate the risk to systems in Northern Ireland.

“While there is currently no suggestion that systems within NI have been targeted, we remain conscious that we must act to ensure the integrity of cyber networks and take appropriate action to reduce the threat posed by cyber criminals.”

He said the PSNI is supporting a UK-wide co-ordinated response to the alarming incident.

DCI Grant encouraged all local businesses and public services to take steps to protect their systems and reduce their vulnerability.

“Do not open emails from unknown sources or containing suspicious links or attachments. Ensure that all computers on your network are fully updated with the latest ‘patches’.

“A ‘patch’ is a piece of software designed to update a computer program or its supporting data, to fix or improve it. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities.

“We would also recommend that businesses and industries join the local Cyber Information Sharing Partnership (CISP) so they can receive the most up to date threat and mitigation information to help protect their cyber security,” he said.